The month-long laughter fest will feature performances by award-winning comedian Stephen Grant who's coming straight from the Edinburgh Festival to appear at The Cellars, Eastney on Tuesday.

Then on Friday, The Wedge Comedy Club hosts three top comedians - Terry Alderton, Rufus Hound and Matt Reed.

Ex-Southend goalie and former holiday camp entertainer, Alderton, with his streetwise hyperactive delivery is a riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy, caricatures and accurate impressions.

Comedian, presenter and actor, Hound, was co-host of ITV2's coverage of Latitude Festival.

Sunderland's Mat Reed has made the finals of the Daily Telegraph Open mic award and the Leicester Comedian of the Year contest the following year.

Also on Friday is eccentric comic Paul Foot, who is said to possess 'funny bones.'

He'll be at The Gun Room at the R.M.A. Tavern, Cromwell Road, Eastney, with two shows: Mr Paul Foot's Weekend Break and Mr Paul Foot's State of the World Address.

Known for his gauche and awkward stage style, the 'posh' comedian has a cult following of those who appreciate his uniquely ridiculous performances.

For more Portsmouth & Southsea Comedy Festival acts, see The Guide Stage pages and The List.
For tickets, call The Wedgewood Rooms (023) 9286 3911; The Cellars on (023) 9282 6249; The R.M.A. Tavern 07900 012479.